Paris attack: France should not host Euro 2016, says Just Fontaine

French football icon Just Fontaine says France should relinquish hosting rights of the European C'ships in the wake of Paris attacks

Berlin: France should relinquish hosting rights to Euro 2016 in the wake of the Paris terror attacks, according to 1958 World Cup star Just Fontaine.


Just Fontaine

The 82-year-old was present at the Stade de France on Friday night when the stadium was one of the venues targeted in what appeared to be co-ordinated attacks across the French capital.

Explosions could be heard inside the stadium as three suicide bombers detonated vests outside the ground while the friendly between France and Germany continued.

The death toll from the attacks stands at 129 with many more seriously injured and Fontaine, who holds the record for the most goals scored at any single World Cup finals after hitting 13 at the 1958 tournament in Sweden, believes his country should cede the tournament to someone else.


France's Patrice Evra (centre) kicks the ball ahead of Germany's Emre Can (left) during the friendly. Pic/AFP

"Any other country could stage the event, but we cannot," he said in quotes reported by German newspaper Die Welt. "I think France should forego the tournament," he added.

'Attacks could repeat'
"I am very afraid that this black Friday could be repeated. I think we cannot guarantee the safety that is required to host such a big event. "It is simply too dangerous. Do you really think that people are going to go to the Stade de France in future?"

The draw for the finals will take place in Paris on December 12, with the three remaining participants still to be determined by play-offs on Monday and Tuesday.

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